Asbestos is a term used for a number of naturally occurring materials that have crystallised producing long thin fibres and fibre bundles. The most common group known as serpentines has been most frequently mined, this includes Chrysotile (white asbestos). The second commonly known group is the amphiboles this includes crocidolite (blue asbestos) and amosite (brown asbestos). The fibres have high tensile strength, and chemical, electrical and heat resistance – properties that made asbestos extremely useful as a building/insulation material. Asbestos has been extensively use throughout the UK.
				Photo 1, Courtesy of the Brunel University London